View From Here: 'Privileges helped me beat depression'

Though mental illness is widespread in the United States, adequate resources to beat them are not. Expenses and stigma keep many people from receiving treatment.

I was diagnosed with depression in the winter of 2013. Now, I'm a survivor.

I realize that I was privileged to have care, a network of supporters and control over my money and my schedule. Let this be the beginning of a conversation on how we can spread these resources to the communities that need them.

1. Through Northwestern University, I saw a psychiatrist and therapist regularly for free.

Armed with sketchbooks, a set of fancy pencils and my younger brother's pastels, I made art. Everything I drew made me feel a little bit more like myself again.

Portrait of a friend
(Photo:
Krislyn Placide/Journal and Courier
)

4. I also flexed my literal muscles regularly on my Schwinn.

Riding through Evanston, Illinois, suburbs on my thrifted set of wheels was pure joy in addition to being a great workout. Studies have shown that exercise can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

5. Tracking my sleep helped me stay accountable about how much time I spent in bed.

I napped two or three times a day during the height of my depression, but the professionals I saw told me that would only aggravate my disorder. Naps were out of the question for me for about six months. I started tracking my sleep to make sure I got no more than eight hours a day. I had to be awake, alert and active from when my alarm rang in the morning to when I wound down for bed at night.

Krislyn Placide is a digital producer for the Journal & Courier. Email her at kplacide@jconline.com or find her on Twitter: @dearkrislyn.